Xbox Cuts 650 More Gaming Jobs, But No Studios Closed Or Games Canceled

Microsoft has implemented another round of heavy cuts to its Xbox gaming team following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. In this latest round of layoffs, Microsoft is eliminating about 650 positions from its gaming team, but no additional studios have closed and no other games are canceled as a result of the move, which Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirmed on September 12. In January, Microsoft cut 1,900 gaming positions, bringing the number of cuts to the company to about 2,550 since the $75.4 billion deal to buy Activision Blizzard closed in October 2023.

In a memo to staff obtained by IGN, Spencer said the cuts came as part of Microsoft's effort to align the company's "post-acquisition team structure and managing our business."

The approximately 650 layoffs from Microsoft Gaming "mostly" impact the "corporate and supporting" functions of the business, the company said. Affected staffers in the US are getting severance, extended healthcare, and outplacement services. Packages for those outside of the US are available, too, and vary by location.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDb0KK

Bobiverse Book 5 Debuts At No. 1 - Here's How To Catch Up On The Popular Sci-Fi Series

Dennis E. Taylor's hilarious sci-fi series Bobiverse has exploded in popularity since its debut in 2016, and after a three-plus year wait, the highly anticipated fifth novel, Not Till We Are Lost, released September 5. There is a catch here, though: Not Till We Are Lost is currently an Audible exclusive, so you'll have to listen to the audiobook to continue the story. A release date for the paperback and Kindle versions hasn't been announced, but Audible's timed exclusives typically last a few months. The Bobiverse series on Audible is performed by Ray Porter, one of best narrators working today. Not Till We Are Lost is another big hit for Taylor; it quickly snagged the No. 1 slot on Audible's best-seller list.

It's possible to read and listen to the whole series for free with Audible Premium Plus and Kindle Unlimited memberships. Get Bobiverse Book 5

Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDYgWh

How Gorilla Tag Became A Generational Obsession And Conquered VR

If you don't have kids, it's quite possible you've never heard of Gorilla Tag, and if you do have kids, there's a good chance Gorilla Tag is all you've been hearing about for a few years now. Originally developed by one person, Kerestell Smith--known to fans by his online handle Lemming--Gorilla Tag is the game of a generation. It hosts a million unique players daily, up to three million monthly active users, and has been played by over 12 million people since it released in 2021. While many older players have sometimes already written off VR, players of a particular age, approximately 7-14, have flocked to a game that is simple in its gameplay loop but sneakily complex in its design.

As both a writer in this space and the parent of a Gen Alpha kid who's been shimmying through his bedroom as a virtual great ape for a few years now, I was excited to meet Smith and hear the complete Gorilla Tag origin story, learning why and how he believes Gorilla Tag overtook a generation, and what it means for the future of the platform.

"What's really funny is that I didn't set out to make a game that kids like. I just thought to make a game that I like," Smith told me through a laugh as part of a sit-down conversation in Seattle during PAX West earlier this month. "So I don't know what that says about my sensibilities for, like, what I want to do in VR."Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDYSVp

Destiny 2's Anniversary Update Is A Depressing Cap To 10 Years

I'm standing in the Skywatch area of the Cosmodrome, Old Russia, in Destiny 2, with a few other random players, and we're waiting for enemies to spawn. A Hive Tomb ship appears in the sky right over my head and drops off exactly two enemies, and I blast away at them with a machine gun. The other players sprint over, swooping in like hawks, but I manage to snag the two kills before they can, so they jump back onto rooftops and boulders to wait for the next batch of baddies and try again. A lot of long, boring seconds pass before any more enemies spawn and we all repeat the scramble.

I'm shooting these particular fish in this particular barrel because it's a requirement to unlock the Legend title, a social marker of in-game achievements that appears beneath your name. Another player getting a kill means I don't, so we're all competing against each other to spend the least amount of time here. Developer Bungie added this title to the game in honor of the 10th anniversary of the original Destiny, and the objective I'm working on is a joking nod to the early days of that game. We have to kill a bunch of enemies in the Skywatch and loot "engrams," or weapon/armor drops, from them.Hello Darkness, my old friend.

See, back when Destiny launched in 2014, the grind to increase your level and reach the requirements for its endgame content--the Vault of Glass raid--was awful. After a certain point, your strength was determined by the stats on your gear, so you were always chasing weapons and armor with higher levels. Gear was dolled out stingily; you could get it from playing Strike missions, but only in unpredictable fits and starts, and from random drops when you killed aliens. But the gear was never guaranteed to be better than what you already had.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDY72m

Disney Lorcana's Next Collector's Gift Set Releases Alongside Azurite Sea Expansion

Disney Lorcana is getting another expansion later this year, with Azurite Sea arriving on November 25. This marks the sixth set of the popular Lorcana TCG, and it’s looking to bring a variety of new cards to the game and shake up your deck. Coinciding with Azurite Sea is the release of the Lorcana: Stitch Collector’s Gift Set, which is a great way to pick up an exclusive foil promo card, card portfolio, and a handful of booster packs.

Best Buy is taking preorders for Disney Lorcana's Azurite Sea expansion, which includes a booster box, Illumineer's Trove box set, starter decks, and various accessories. Since these will likely be the last Lorcana new releases of the year, they're likely to be popular gifts this holiday season. See all preorders at Best Buy

Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDY0Lf

Zoe Saldana Wants To Direct An Action Movie: 'I've Never Seen A Woman Direct James Bond'

From Avatar to Guardians of the Galaxy, Colombiana, and more, Zoe Saldana has starred in a lot of action movies in the last two decades. Now, Saldana wants to transition to directing by helming an action movie of her own.

"I've never seen a woman direct James Bond," said Saldana at the Toronto International Film Festival via Variety. "I like The Equalizer. I watch crime shows, and, so, maybe in the future. I've always been drawn to heist themes. Heat is a film that I need to watch at least once a year and analyze it, and the way that Michael Mann just pairs it all together, the way that everybody performed it. So, I would love to start with an action-heist sort of thing."

It may take some time before Saldana's ambitions become a reality. While the actress has already filmed her part for Avatar: Fire & Ash, she still has to finish the fourth and fifth films in James Cameron's Avatar franchise. While Saldana didn't offer any hints about what lies ahead in the next movie, she did explain why she feels the Avatar movies are special to her.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDX6mW

Nintendo Museum Gets A Pikachu-Themed Manhole Cover

Kyoto's Nintendo Museum is getting a special Pokémon-themed manhole cover featuring Pikachu. The manhole cover's design features the electrified rodent leaping out of a GameBoy, with pixels shooting outward in his wake.

Nintendo showed off the surprising new choice in street decor via an official blog post, giving prospective museum-goers a closer look at the design. Pikachu isn't the only character from the franchise to get a special themed manhole cover, however--a whole collection of them have been popping up in various Japanese cities, featuring other Pokémon, like Golem and Vulpix. Nintendo has even released a map showing the location of each manhole cover--referring to them as "Poké Lids"--along with a bit of an explanation for why they exist to begin with.

"Poké Lids, artistic covers for utility holes, have recently started to be spotted in some cities," reads the Poké Lid site's description. "Who knows if they are of Pokémonopolistic nature? It seems that not all utility holes are man-made; rumor has it that Diglett may be responsible for digging large enough holes to be mistaken for utility holes, and some artists took it upon themselves to “mark” the covers to differentiate them from ordinary ones. Where will the next 'mark' be?"Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDWwPt

Ana de Armas Teases "Sexy" And "Dangerous" John Wick Movie, Trailer Coming Soon

Ana de Armas shared updates about the John Wick spin-off Ballerina during the Toronto International Film Festival, where she was also promoting her film Eden. In an interview with Collider, de Armas discussed recent reshoots for Ballerina, describing them as a surprisingly positive development.

"Every time they say you have reshoots, it's not good. You don't feel good about it," de Armas said. However, she assured that the reshoots added significant value to the film. "All we did in those reshoots had to be there. We got amazing footage. It's really spectacular," she said. She also confirmed that a trailer for Ballerina is on the way, adding, "I saw it, and it's beautiful. I'm very proud of it."

Describing the film as "dangerous" and "sexy," de Armas emphasized that it maintains the John Wick style. "It's really exciting. It's dangerous, it's sexy, it's very John Wick. I think people are going to be surprised."Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDWZWM

Check Out This Budget-Friendly $30 Zelda Merch Box

The holiday season is fast approaching, and if you're looking for a quick stocking-stuffer gift for a Legend of Zelda fan that won't break the bank, you might want to check out CultureFly's new collector's box packed with official merch themed around the most recent game in the series, Tears of the Kingdom. The box includes a beer stein, an ice cube tray, a leatherbound journal, and an earphone carrying case. There's also a selection of Zelda-themed apparel, including an embroidered snapback baseball cap and a pair of crew socks featuring the iconic Hyrule Crest symbol. You can grab CultureFly's Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector's Box for $30 at Target (was $35) or at Amazon for $35.

* The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector's Box (Target) -- $30
* The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Collector's Box (Amazon) -- $35


CultureFly x The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom merch box

More Zelda merch deals



CultureFly's Collector's Box isn't the only Zelda merch deal available right now. You can also find other merch bundles, manga sets, special edition game and consoles, limited-edition vinyl soundtracks, and more.

Breath of the Wild merch bundle



For $44, you can pick up a Breath of the Wild bundle that is full of items that look like they were plucked straight out of ancient Hyrule. Here's what you'll find inside:Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDWRVg

Save On Zelda-Themed Handheld Controller Ahead Of Echoes Of Wisdom's Launch

Hori's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom-themed Split Pad Pro is on sale for $49 at Amazon. Normally $60, this special-edition handheld-only controller has superior ergonomics compared to standard Joy-Con controllers. It's just one of several Zelda-themed controllers you can get for nice discounts at Amazon ahead of the release of The Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom later this month. Get Split Pad Pro at Amazon



Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDVTtX

PUBG Mobile Launches 100-Years Later Version Of Its Original Map To Show The Effects Of Climate Change

PUBG Mobile is taking action against climate change with a new Play for Green initiative, one that lets players battle it out on a version of the game's iconic Erangel map ravaged by climate change.

The map is a collaboration between PUBG Mobile developers Lightspeed Studios and Krafton in conjunction with University College London professor Mark Maslin, who has written multiple books on the dangers of climate change. Using Maslin's research, the PUBG Mobile development team reimagined what the ruins of Erangel would look like 100 years from now given the current rate of climate change if no further action is taken. That translated into Erangel becoming an apocalyptic hellscape, one plagued by sandstorms, drought, and largely devoid of plant life.

Step into the Ruins of Erangel WOW map series to see the effects of climate change if we don’t take action.
Run for Green! Sprint in-game to support conservation projects. Try new in-game events, eco-themed items and more!
📲
https://t.co/FplKDpy4Pn#PUBGMPlayForGreen… pic.twitter.com/QWSU5P7iWI — PUBG MOBILE (@PUBGMOBILE) September 11, 2024

For those who want to explore the map themselves, there's two modes featuring the climate-ravaged Ruins of Erangel. One, Ruins of Erangel: Sandstorm is the battle royale experience PUBG players are familiar with, as players struggle to survive against not only sandstorms but other players. Ruins of Erangel: Exploration is a narrative version of the map that guides players through the progressive effects of climate change to the map's environment.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDVFTm

Ewan McGregor Wants To Play Obi-Wan Kenobi Again

One of actor Ewan McGregor's most famous roles is that of Obi-Wan Kenobi, but will he ever get a chance to play the part again following the Obi-Wan TV show? We don't know, but McGregor said in a new interview that he believes there are more Obi-Wan stories to be told and hopes to come back one day.

"I really do hope we get a chance to do another one," he told Variety. "Between where we ended off in the series and when Alec Guinness comes on screen with Luke Skywalker, I think there's another few stories to tell in there."

Hayden Christensen, who played Darth Vader opposite McGregor on the TV show, spoke to the site as well and said he's also keen to come back.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDTn2L

Tom Cruise's Olympics Stunt Pay Was Surprisingly Low

Movie star Tom Cruise, who is known for doing his own over-the-top stunts, was apparently paid the very low fee of $0 for his epic stunt during the Olympics closing ceremony in July.

Casey Wasserman, the president of the committee that is bringing the Olympics to Los Angeles in 2028, revealed this during the CNBC x Boardroom: Game Plan event this week in Los Angeles. For anyone unaware, Cruise jumped off the Stade du France, glided down to the ground, strolled through a crowd of adoring fans, grabbed the Olympic flag, and then drove off into Paris on a motorcycle to an airplane taking him to Los Angeles.

Cruise then appeared in Hollywood (thanks to a little movie magic!) for a skydiving segment to complete the Olympic hand-off for the next host city. It was pretty epic.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDTbHG

Worms Armageddon Anniversary Is Getting A Physical Collector’s Edition

Worms Armageddon wiggled onto the gaming scene in 1999, and to celebrate its 25th birthday and re-release on consoles and PC, the turn-based strategy game is getting a collector’s edition packed with physical goodies. A digital version of the game was launched on PS5, Xbox, and Switch earlier this year, but if you’re looking to snag a bunch of collectible goodies, the collector's edition that arrives on December 3 is worth a closer look.

Worms Armageddon Anniversary Collector’s Edition



$50

The Worms Armageddon Anniversary Edition

The anniversary edition of Worms Armageddon includes updated graphics, an interactive documentary about the game, a single-player campaign, multiplayer modes, and over 55 unique weapons. However, the big draw of this bundle is the physical collectibles. Here’s what you’ll get:

* Double-sided coin
* Worms sticker sheet
* Weapons & Utilities Guide booklet
* Double-sided poster
* Three exclusive pins




Preorders only appear to be open for Switch, though we’re expecting PS5 and Xbox preorders to open soon.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDSF0m

Doctors Hate This One Weird Trick For Getting A PS5 Pro For About $350

Following the official reveal of the PlayStation 5 Pro earlier this week, the majority of the conversations about it have centered on its $700 price rather than its advanced PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution technology. This is understandable, since $700 is a lot of money to put down on a new version of a console that's only been out for four years. But as noted by former Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, there's at least one way to get that price down. Or as they say in the spam ads, "one weird trick."

Ybarra pointed out a tactic that many fans had already thought about--namely trading in their existing PS5 models and effectively cutting the cost of a new PS5 Pro in half.

Think of this a bit differently. Pro models, or any in-generation upgrade, is about existing users upgrading. So when teams evaluate the cost - they don't want to lose money on each console as that puts pressure on other parts of the business. And they think about how they can… — Mike Ybarra (@Qwik) September 10, 2024

GameStop is offering between $350 to $385 in store credit for used PlayStation 5 consoles, with the higher prices for models with the disc drive. But if a significant number of gamers pursue that strategy, would GameStop keep that trade in value or lower the amount that it offers? Just because GameStop is offering those rates now doesn't guarantee that it will in November. That would throw a wrench in this strategy, especially since GameStop is facing more store closures. Additionally, the PS5 Pro doesn't come with a disc drive, with the optional add-on costing another $80. Unfortunately, it's already selling out across multiple retailers.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDRzQd

Honkai: Star Rail Is Getting A PS5 Physical Edition With Collectible Art Cards And Cute Keychains

Honkai: Star Rail is a free-to-play game, but if you're a big fan who wants to show off their love for the popular RPG, a physical edition for PS5 is now available to preorder at Best Buy. Priced at $40, Honkai: Star Rail Trailblazer Edition includes the base game on a disc and the following bonus content: nine gilded holographic cards, two holographic character keychains, an exclusive postcard, and a game redemption code with exclusive in-game items. Best Buy lists the release date as March 31, 2025, but this date is sometimes used as a placeholder for Q1 (first three months of the year). Preorder at Best Buy



It's not unheard of for a free-to-play game to receive a physical edition. Fortnite has received multiple boxed releases over the years, each of which contains exclusive in-game cosmetics. The difference here is that you're actually getting a disc. This is a bit unusual, especially since Honkai: Star Rail requires an internet connection and you'll need to download the game regardless. From a practical gaming perspective, the disc is useless, but it could make for a cool drink coaster.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDRT4S

PC Cross-Play Is Required For All Multiplayer Games On Epic Games Store, Epic Confirms

Epic Games confirmed that cross-play across PC storefronts is a requirement for all multiplayer games on the Epic Games Store.

The statement, shared with Eurogamer, reads: "Cross-play across all PC storefronts is a requirement of the Epic Games Store for all multiplayer games, ensuring that players and friends can play together wherever they purchase their games. Developers are free to choose any solutions that meet this requirement, including Epic Online Services, which may require a secondary installation to enable the Social Overlay (friends lists, cross-platform invites, etc) on PC."

Epic released this statement to clarify Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2's usage of an Epic online services. The game installs an Epic Online Services client after the player accepts a EULA, even on Steam. Developer Focus confirmed in a forum post that the Epic client facilitates optional cross-play and syncs friend lists across services. However, linking Steam and Epic accounts is completely optional and will not affect gameplay.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDRGZD

PlayStation Wants To Put More Emphasis On Family-Friendly Games, CEO Says

When thinking about PlayStation, The Last of Us might come to mind. Or maybe Marvel's Spider-Man, Horizon: Zero Dawn, or God of War. But looking ahead, Sony seems set on concentrating more on family-friendly games like Astro Bot, according to PlayStation CEO Hermen Hulst.

Spotted by Eurogamer, Hulst spoke with Astro Bot creative director Nicolas 'Nico' Doucet on the official PlayStation Podcast about family-friendly games after the recent launch of the cute platformer. "I think it's massively important that PlayStation Studios develops games in various genres, and the family market, I think, is really important for us to focus on," Hulst said.

Astro Bot has become the best-reviewed game of the year so far, showcasing the possibilities for the franchise and brand for PlayStation. It's something Hulst, who became PlayStation joint-CEO earlier this year, seems very aware of.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDPtvT

Game Pass Standard Is Available Now, But Won't Get Microsoft's New Releases For A While

The new Xbox Game Pass tier, Game Pass Standard, is officially available now for everyone, following an initial debut in August only for testers. The Standard membership includes "hundreds" of games for $15/month with some key differences between Game Pass Core and Game Pass Ultimate, including how Microsoft's new releases won't come to Game Pass Standard for some time.

Game Pass Standard is Microsoft's attempt to "give players more choice" when it comes to a subscription offering, the company said. As announced previously, Standard comes with all the benefits of Game Pass Core, including online multiplayer and a selection of games. One of the big distinctions is the Game Pass Standard library is substantially larger than Game Pass Core, which has 40+ games.

Game Pass Standard has a library of 369 titles, compared to 506 for Game Pass Ultimate, according to PureXbox. For more, check out a list of all the titles not included in Game Pass Standard, including Starfield, Diablo IV, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, and more.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDPd07

The Dead Island 2: Ultimate Edition Includes The Full Game And All DLC Expansions For $70

Last year saw a megaton of fantastic games arrive on PC and consoles, including the surprise release of Dead Island 2. Stuck in development hell for what seemed like an eternity, Dead Island 2 wasn't a GOTY contender, but it still had plenty of cheeky charm. And if you've been waiting to play it, you can grab the upcoming Dead Island 2: Ultimate Edition which includes the base game and tons of extra content for $70. Dead Island 2: Ultimate Edition launches for PS5 and Xbox Series X on October 22, and preorders are available now.

Preorder Dead Island 2: Ultimate Edition



$70



While Dead Island 2 has been out for a while, the Ultimate Edition is perfect for anyone who prefers physical media to digital, since you're getting the base game and its two expansions, Haus and SoLA, all on one disc. You'll also get some gear to help you survive the zombie apocalypse, like various weapon packs, premium skins for all six Slayers, and more cosmetics to apply to each character. Here is a list of all the included weapon and item packs:

* Deadly Weapons Pack
* Memories of Banoi Pack
* Golden Weapons Pack
* Pulp Weapons Pack
* Red’s Demise Pack
* 6 Slayer's Premium Skin Packs




Preorders for the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions of Dead Island 2: Ultimate Edition are available for $70 at Best Buy. Preorder on PS5 Preorder on Xbox Series X

If you missed it when it first came out, Dead Island 2 is a horror-action first-person game that unfolds in Los Angeles after the city was overrun with zombies. It has a great sense of humor, plenty of interesting gameplay systems, and it's one of the best 7/10 games of 2023. Basically, it has a few annoyances, but the positives far outweigh the negatives.

"Games labeled as being in "development hell" rarely release in a state anyone would want to experience--if they release at all. With Dead Island 2, however, Dambuster Studios kicks away a decade of dev hell problems like they’re a zombie lunging for its throat to deliver an undead RPG that is surely imperfect, but also enjoyable and even inventive," Mark Delaney wrote in GameSpot's Dead Island 2 review.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDP734

Pennywise Turns Into A Duck Plush Just In Time For Halloween (Not A Fan Of Floating)

Few things are more terrifying than a clown, especially when you're looking at the infamous Pennywise from the recent It movies. The only thing scarier? Pennywise the dancing plushie duck-clown, as this cosmic force of evil has taken a new and huggable shape as a soft duckie. Fortunately, this version of Pennywise is (probably) safe to be around, and you can get it for just $25 at Amazon ahead of its October 18 release. And while he probably floats, you'll want to opt for the Pennywise vinyl duck if you plan sending Pennywise on a journey through the local sewer system. Preorder Pennywise Duck Plush at Amazon



With the spooky season around the corner, you can stock up on Pennywise books, movies, and other merchandise, as Amazon has several big discounts on everything related to the terrifying clown from the Stephen King novel, It.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDNwzN

Dune: Prophecy Actress Says Her Show Isn't 'Childish' Like Star Wars

This fall, Dune: Prophecy will turn back the clock in Frank Herbert's saga to reveal the events that took place thousands of years before the two Dune films. Emily Watson has a leading role on the series as Valya Harkonnen, one of leaders of the sisterhood that will become the Bene Gesserit. And during a new interview, Watson took a shot at Star Wars while praising her show's moral complexity.

"It was very exciting, but also very great to go into that world with the security of knowing I've got the skill set to make everything feel real," Watson told Total Film. "It's a very interesting palette because it’s not childish… it's not like Star Wars. It has a moral complexity, which is interesting."

Dune and Star Wars are both science fiction sagas, but they're rarely linked together. David Lynch's 1984 adaptation of Dune had the misfortune of following the original Star Wars trilogy to theaters, and audiences weren't willing to embrace it at that time. Denis Villeneuve's two-part adaptation of Dune went a long way towards reestablishing the franchise and allowing Dune: Prophecy to take shape on HBO.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDMZ2k

Colin Farrell Was Not A Fan Of His Penguin Costume, But Would He Suit Up Again?

Actor Colin Farrell enjoyed his time playing Penguin for the upcoming HBO series, but in a new interview, he discussed the toll it took on him as an actor.

Total Film asked Farrell if he would be up for Penguin Season 2, and the actor replied, "I don't know, man." Getting into the makeup and prosthetics was a taxing experience, he said. Farrell said Penguin series creator Lauren LeFranc asked him if he would be up for playing Penguin again, if she could find a way "that makes sense." Farrell replied by saying he would consider it--but it wouldn't be anytime soon.

"I said, 'Absolutely.' And maybe in a year I would. But when I finished I was like, 'I never want to put that f**king suit and that f**king head on again.'"Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDMJLB

New Elden Ring Patch Makes DLC's Final Boss Easier

The latest patch for Elden Ring has been released and it makes some changes to the Shadow of the Erdtree's final boss, who is now easier to defeat.

According to Bandai Namco, patch 1.14 changed the boss's action pattern when the battle starts and adjusted some attack moves. The visibility of some attack effects have been improved, and some of the boss's damage, stamina damage, and attack range of a few non-weapon-based attacks have been decreased. While the final boss is still challenging, the changes should help more players to overcome it.

The patch also applied some balance adjustments to PvP. It decreased the damage of Backhand Blades, Spears' dual wield attacks, and the Pata weapon against other players.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDLpFF

Canceled Call Of Duty: Future Warfare Gameplay Appears To Have Leaked, Again

Several missions from an unreleased Call of Duty game from around 2010 have popped up online. Codenamed NX1, the game was reportedly known as Call of Duty: Future Warfare and under development at Tony Hawk Pro Skater studio Neversoft.

Insider Gaming spotted three different missions for Call of Duty: Future Warfare uploaded on YouTube by Generalkidd. Additionally, while the project never was officially unveiled, it's said the game already had an almost-complete campaign. The gameplay videos--seen below--even feature voice acting, though it's possible they were stand-ins until production got further along.

At the beginning of the year, Call of Duty: Future Warfare was discovered after gameplay footage surfaced online. A developer who worked on the project, Brian Bright, noted that Neversoft started working on NX1 after the turmoil at Infinity Ward saw Jason West and Vince Zampella released from the developer by Activision. (They went on to form Respawn Entertainment.) Bright added the goal was to create a "futuristic Call of Duty game."Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDLbl3

New Stephen King Graphic Novel Has Arrived - Check Out All Of The Horror Legend's Comics

Stephen King fans can now pick up a new deluxe edition of one of the best graphic novels based on his fiction. Sleeping Beauties: Deluxe Remastered Edition released this month and is available for $34 at Amazon. The graphic novel is adapted from the 2017 novel of the same name written by King and his son Owen. Though we'd recommend reading the terrifying apocalyptic novel first--it's fantastic--you can read and enjoy the impressive adaptation without prior knowledge of the story.

Sleeping Beauties: Deluxe Remastered Edition



$34



Originally released as a two-volume series in 2021-22, IDW Publishing compiled both parts into one premium 280-page hardcover that's loaded with extra content detailing the process of turning Stephen and Owen King's mammoth manuscript into a graphic novel. It includes a gallery of cover art, character design concepts, and commentary and annotations discussing the choices the team behind the graphic novel made when adapting the book.

Stephen and Owen King's names are prominently featured on the cover, but to be clear, the father-son duo didn't write or illustrate the graphic novel. A team of three creators--Rio Youers, Alison Sampson, and Triona Farrell--handled the adaptation.

Sleeping Beauties centers around a pandemic of sorts called Aurora, which leads to never-ending sleep (basically a coma). Naturally, this causes worldwide panic, chaos, and lawlessness. Against this horrifying backdrop, the story hones in on a woman named Eve, who seemingly appears out of thin air. Eve is the only woman known to have immunity to the illness. Why?

It's worth noting you can still buy new copies of both volumes individually, too. At Amazon, the hardcover edition of Volume 1 is $14.69 (was $20), and Volume 2 is $14.49 (was $20). You'll save a few bucks going this route, but you will miss out on the extra content as a result. See at Amazon

PSA: You should read the original novel, too

Stephen King and Owen King - Sleeping Beauties

The graphic novel does an admirable job of adapting the lengthy novel into a digestible 280-page story. That's a fairly high page count for a graphic novel, but the creators were tasked with turning a 720-page novel into a two-volume series. As a result, the graphic novel understandably cuts a lot from the original novel.

If you decide to read the graphic novel first, it'd still be well-worth your time to dive into the prose novel after you're done. The hardcover edition of Stephen and Owen King's Sleeping Beauties is available for only $17 (was $32.50) at Amazon. That's actually cheaper than the paperback edition, which is going for $20.63 at the moment. It's also available in audiobook format for $21, or Audible Premium Plus subscribers can use their monthly credit to get the novel, which is wonderfully performed by Marin Ireland and has a runtime of roughly 25 hours.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDKFJ9

Dead Rising Deals - Save On Remaster Preorders And Get Four Dead Rising Games For 10 Bucks

Like the proverbial undead, Dead Rising is returning from the grave this month with a fresh remaster. Sporting familiar gameplay and much better graphics, there's still time to score a discount on the game ahead of its September 18 launch. At Fanatical, you can save 18% on the PC edition, and get the game for just $41. If you'd like to spoil yourself, the digital deluxe edition has also been discounted, and it can be purchased for $49.19. As a reminder, the physical edition of Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster will arrive in November.

* Dead Rising 2 Deluxe Remaster (Standard edition) -- $41 ($50)
* Dead Rising 2 Deluxe Remaster (Digital Deluxe edition) -- $49.19 ($60)


Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster

Both versions have the same preorder bonus--costumes for Frank West and more background music for the mall--but the digital deluxe edition throws in Capcom costumes for the roving photojournalist, like Resident Evil and Mega Man-inspired threads. The first Dead Rising was released all the way back in 2006, and it quickly became a cult-classic for its mix of open-world exploration, hordes of undead monsters, and a challenging time-limit that kept you moving if you wanted to get a good ending.

The remaster keeps the bones of the original game intact, but with sharper graphics and a few quality-of-life changes, this looks like it'll be the definitive version of Dead Rising.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDJzlc

GameStop Makes A Surprise Profit, Warns Of Impending Store Closures

GameStop has reported earnings for the quarter that ended on August 3, and, to the surprise of some, the retailer has turned a profit. Despite that, GameStop's stock price is sliding--it's down 15% today--due to a downturn in sales and ongoing uncertainty about how GameStop can stay relevant and healthy long term.

For the quarter, GameStop sales slid from $1.164 billion to $798 million. Despite that, GameStop posted a net income of $14.8 million, which was a marked improvement over the company's $2.8 million loss for the same period a year ago.

GameStop's selling, general, and administrative (SG&A) costs for the period amounted to $270.8 million, compared to $322.5 million during the same period last year.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDJV4s

Konami Confirms Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2, But Not What's In It

After releasing Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 1 last year for the modern consoles and PC, it was inevitable that Konami would eventually get around to a second volume. Now, Konami has confirmed that Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 is on the way, but the MGS team remains elusive about which games will be included.

Via Eurogamer, Noriaki Okamura, the producer of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, briefly addressed Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 2 during a video about the production of the MGS 3 remake. Okamura acknowledged that Vol. 1 had issues at launch, and he indicated that the team is taking its time to ensure that Vol. 2 has a smoother release.

"Of course, we called the first one Vol. 1, so we are making a Vol. 2, that much is for sure," noted Okamura. "We're also worried about how Vol. 1 had a pretty rough launch, with all the issues, so we're going to do everything we can not to repeat that, but we just have to ask for everyone to give us time."Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDJHkx

Refurbished PS5 Consoles Will Soon Be Sold By Sony, In Case The PS5 Pro Is Too Expensive For You

Sony will launch its $700 PS5 Pro console later this year, but if that's a little too rich for your blood, it looks like refurbished regular PS5s will be available soon at a more attractive price. A new "Certified Refurbished" section has been added to the PlayStation Direct site, with pricing starting at $350 for a PS5 Digital Edition and $400 for a PS5 with a disc drive.

According to the page (via PushSquare), the PS5 consoles are "as good as new" and each one has been extensively cleaned. Refurbished consoles are typically PS5s that have been returned for a refund for a variety of reasons, thus turning them into pre-owned consoles. There might be some "minor cosmetic imperfections" Sony says on the PS5 listings, but these consoles do come with a 12-month manufacturer's warranty. A shipping date hasn't been revealed yet, but Sony says it will be added soon.

This makes for a more affordable current-gen option, as the price of a PS5 has remained fixed in the US and has increased in other parts of the world. Sony has said that these price increases are related to global economic conditions like the COVID-19 pandemic and several other factors, leading to a console generation where prices have not dropped alongside reduced component costs. The price of DualSense controllers has also risen by $5, almost four years into the life-cycle of the PS5.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDH2gP

PS5 Pro: Analysts Weigh In On Price, GTA 6 Effect, And More

Coming out of the official reveal of Sony's PlayStation 5 Pro, there were two common complaints on social media: the lack of a disc drive and the $700 retail price. Now, video game analysts are sharing their opinions about whether gamers are ready to accept the PS5 Pro when it arrives in just under two months.

Ampere Analysis's research director for games, Piers Harding-Rolls, doesn't believe that the price will ultimately deter too many fans from getting a PS5 Pro over the next few years. He also stated that since Microsoft's Xbox Series X doesn't appear to be getting a mid-generation console upgrade of its own, Sony had a free hand to introduce PS5 Pro with the higher price point.

Mat Piscatella, the executive director and video game industry analyst at Circana, wrote on Threads that the PS4 Pro didn't significantly increase the number of total PlayStation 4s that were sold, but it did appeal "to the super enthusiast" and it accounted for 15% of the total dollars that were spent on the system. Harding-Rolls predicts that the PS5 Pro will ultimately reach the same audience, albeit at lower numbers than the PS4 Pro.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDGq9R

PS5 Pro Preorders Go Live September 26

Preorder PS5 Pro

$700 See list of games with PS5 Pro enhancements

PS5 Pro disc drive

$80 See at Amazon See at Best Buy See at Walmart

The PS5 Pro is real, and it's coming soon. As Sony revealed during a livestream Tuesday morning, the PS5 Pro will offer a bump in horsepower over the current PS5 and PS5 Slim models, making it possible to play PS5 games--and even some PS4 titles--in 4K resolution at 60fps. In other words, the PS5 Pro could make it possible to play games with the visual quality of fidelity mode and the smoothness of performance mode. The enhanced console is set to launch on November 7 for $700--$200 more than the PS5 Slim ($500) and $250 more than the PS5 Slim Digital ($450).

The PS5 Pro is a digital-only console, but it supports the $80 disc drive attachment PlayStation released last year. If you prefer to place your consoles upright, you'll need to buy the optional vertical stand for $30. All told, you could be looking at $820 plus your local tax rate. That's pretty steep for a mid-generation hardware refresh, but if the visual upgrades have already caught your eye, you can preorder the PS5 Pro starting September 26 at PlayStation Direct. Major retailers will begin taking preorders on October 10.

Preorder PS5 Pro



$700



The PS5 Pro features a larger GPU that, according to Sony, allows for 45% faster rendering and support for enhanced visual technology like AI-driven upscaling and advanced ray tracing. Additionally, it comes with a 2TB SSD, which is double the base storage space of the PS5 Slim models. The storage space is fairly significant from a cost standpoint, as adding 1TB to existing PS5 models typically costs around $100--or more if you opt for the latest NVMe SSDs from Samsung or Western Digital.

The console also features a minimal design refresh with wider "racing stripes" on the side panels. It comes packaged with a standard DualSense 5 controller. Additional DualSense controllers cost $75-$80 each, depending on the color, which reflects a $5 price increase that went into effect this week. See list of games with PS5 Pro enhancements

PS5 Pro disc drive



$80



The PS5 Pro's 2TB SSD means it can store more games than launch and Slim PS5 models, but if you plan to play physical games on the PS5 Pro, you're also going to need the PS5 Disc Drive attachment. This $80 add-on launched last holiday for the PS5 Slim Digital, but it's also compatible with the upcoming PS5 Pro. It's available now at Amazon, Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop, and it's probably wise to grab one ahead of the PS5 Pro's November 7 release date in case they sell out. See at Amazon See at Best Buy See at Walmart


http://dlvr.it/TDGTBY

Fanatical Bundlefest Features Cheap Game Bundles With Bethesda And Capcom Games

Fanatical's latest Bundlefest event kicked off this week, which means there's a slate of new PC gaming bundle deals to look forward to over the coming days. Like previous Bundlefests, Fanatical is adding at least one all-new bundle deal each day from September 9 through 14. This week kicked off with the new Build Your Own Special Editions Bundle Fall 2024 edition on Monday, while the Build Your Own Bento Bundle Bundlefest Edition and the Capcom Dead Rising Bundle went live on Tuesday.

Fanatical Bundlefest September 2024: Quick look

* September 9: Build your Own Special Editions Bundle (Fall 2024)
* September 10: Build Your Own Bento Bundle (Bundlefest Edition), Capcom Dead Rising Bundle
* September 11: TBA
* September 12: TBA
* September 14: TBA




All of the games in these PC game bundles are delivered instantly as Steam keys. The bundles will be available to purchase beyond this week--each Fanatical bundle is typically available for two to three weeks, but the retailer sometimes runs out of keys for popular games.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDGLKN

NBA 2K25 Is An Incredible Game Hurt By Pay-To-Win Elements

In my years of reviewing NBA 2K games, I've come to appreciate--and even expect--the game to feel like an authentic love letter to basketball in so many ways. This has been a consistent attribute of the series going back over a decade. NBA 2K doesn't just capture the culture of basketball; it helps shape it. No other game--not even Madden, despite the head start gifted to it by simulating Americans' unique obsession with football--offers a total package as immersive and rewarding as NBA 2K. That's why, in addition to my NBA 2K25 review--and so as not to become too bogged down in the ins and outs of it there--I'm also taking a moment to address the unfortunate pay-to-win economy still infecting what is otherwise the perennial sports game of the year.

If you don't play NBA 2K, you may be unfamiliar with its woes in this regard, and if you do play it, you may have normalized it to the point that you no longer see it as a concern. Unlike other sports games in which the focal point is often either the team-centric Franchise-style mode or the fantasy-card-collecting loot-box mode, Visual Concepts has built up its MyCareer mode and its social MMO hub, The City, to offer a compelling--and somehow, after all these years, still-unrivaled--tandem attraction in the sports gaming world.

Players create a character and decide on a build like in an RPG, which determines how their player will perform on the court. From there, they can follow a narrative-driven story mode, join an NBA team and play out many seasons of their career, and, best of all, jump into the game's thriving community in The City. The shared social space that offers an impressive range of things to do, like limited-time events, pick-up games on streetball-style courts, competitive 5v5 games with dedicated groups of teammates, and so much more. This year, they can even race go-karts.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDFS1x

Pokemon Go Dynamax Guide: Max Battles, How To Get Max Particles, And More

One of the biggest new features in Pokemon Go's Max Out season is Dynamaxing--a phenomenon first introduced in Pokemon Sword and Shield. Dynamaxing supersizes a Pokemon to gigantic proportions, giving them a power boost and access to some unique moves to use during battle.

Like other features from the mainline Pokemon series, Dynamaxing works a little differently in Pokemon Go than it does in Sword and Shield, so here's a rundown on how to earn Max Particles and Dynamax your Pokemon.

Which Pokemon can Dynamax?



While any Pokemon is capable of Dynamaxing in Pokemon Sword and Shield, only select monsters can do so in Pokemon Go.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDFFl5

Save $94 On 12 Months Of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Compared To New Price

The price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate goes up to $20 per month on September 12, but you can sign up or add to your existing subscription for a huge discount right now. Amazon-owned retailer Woot has brought back one of its popular deals on three-month subscriptions. For the next three days--or until Woot sells out--you can get three months of Game Pass Ultimate for $36.49, which breaks down to $12.16 per month--substantially less than the $20 price that goes into effect this Thursday. Get deal at Woot

One-month codes are also available at Woot, though these are more expensive at $13.79 each. Though there's technically a limit on the number of codes you can buy, we highly doubt you want 24 three-month codes. You may want more than one, though. You can stack Game Pass Ultimate for up to 36 months. This means you could buy and redeem up to 12 three-month codes.

The more you stack, the more you save overall. For instance, one year of Game Pass Ultimate will cost $240 directly from Microsoft, billed monthly, starting September 12. With Woot's deal, you can get a full year for $146. Across 36 months, Game Pass Ultimate's full price will be $720 under the new rate. Woot's deal drops the price to $438--that's a pretty awesome deal.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDDvNz

Call Of Duty's Latest BlackCell Operator Is A Three-Headed, Throat-Ripping Monster Version Of Ghost

Activision has revealed Season 6 for Modern Warfare III, Warzone, and Warzone Mobile, and like with past seasons, this one also has a new BlackCell DLC offering. The headliner of the latest BlackCell bundle is an operator named "Alone," who is something of a monster.

Alone is described as a "three-headed zombified mutation" of the character Ghost, and as you can see in the image below, the character certainly lives up to that grisly description. It's a fitting and timely operator, as Season 6 also coincides with the return of Call of Duty's annual Halloween-themed Haunting event that brings all manner of spooky elements to the game like Michael Myers.Season 6's BlackCell DLC has been revealed

Pricing was not disclosed in Activision's blog post, but previous BlackCell bundles sold for $30, and it's expected that will be the price for this one as well.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDDmRq

Diablo 4 Player Does So Much Damage The Game Just Gave Up

One Diablo 4 content creator has done the maximum amount of damage possible in Blizzard's ARPG, dealing 333 undecillion damage as a Whirlwind Barbarian, after which the game gives up and simply starts displaying an infinity symbol.

The honor of obtaining such an achievement goes to Rob2628, who has a long history of pushing Diablo 4 to its limits. This particular feat of strength happened on Diablo 4's current test server, where Blizzard is testing out the game's numerous patch 2.0 changes that will launch alongside its upcoming Vessel of Hatred expansion.

Funnily enough, part of the 2.0 update is tailored around reducing player levels and scaling down many of the numbers in the game to make them more readable. As Rob2628 has shown, that doesn't look to be going exactly to plan, though they are quick to point out that the absurdly high damage numbers they achieved seem to be thanks to a bug--one that will almost certainly be fixed prior to the 2.0 update's official release.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDCpS8

Concord Now Being Removed From PSN Accounts

Sony's ill-fated multiplayer shooter Concord has been removed from sale and had its servers shut down, while players across PS5 and PC are receiving refunds. Now, Concord content is being removed from consoles that had it installed.

Players who bought the digital version of Concord from the PlayStation Store are now being notified that Sony has deleted the game from their console. A message prompt reads, "Thank you for being a valued PlayStation customer. Live services for Concord went offline on [September 9, 2024). The game is no playable and as a result, we have removed this content from your account."

TheGamer reports that physical copies of Concord continue to allow players to boot the game to the title screen, but players cannot progress further. For digital copies, though, it seems PlayStation is simply wiping the game entirely.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDCZNP

PlayStation Technical Presentation: How To Watch, Start Times, And What To Expect

Sony will livestream a "technical presentation" today, and while the company hasn't confirmed it, it sure sounds like this could be the first look at the PS5 Pro console. Hosted by PS5 lead architect Mark Cerny, here's when and where you can tune in for the presentation.

Start time



The presentation will be livestreamed today, September 10, from the following times:

* 8 AM PT
* 11 AM ET
* 4 PM BST
* 12 AM JST (September 11)
* 1 AM AEST (September 11)




How to watch



The livesttream will be broadcast in English on the PlayStation YouTube channel, and you can also catch it above in the embedded live video through GameSpot's YouTube channel:Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDC5QY

Robert Pattinson Is Not In HBO's The Penguin, But It Was Considered

HBO's The Penguin is set in the universe of director Matt Reeves' The Batman, and many wondered if Robert Pattinson might appear in the TV show as Batman or Bruce Wayne. But he won't.

Reeves, who is an executive producer on the TV show, told Total Film that he sees himself as a "point-of-view filmmaker," and that didn't leave room for Batman or Bruce Wayne to appear in the show. At least not physically.

Batman does exist in the world, and the show is set against the backdrop of the events of what happened in the 2022 film The Batman, so his "presence" is felt, but Batman does not appear--nor does Paul Dano's Riddler.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TDBvf2

A Minecraft Movie Trailer Gets Animated Remake

If there was ever a video game adaptation that seemed to scream for an animated version, it's Minecraft. The signature squared look of Minecraft's world and its characters is difficult to pull off in live-action, but the upcoming film, A Minecraft Movie, is doing just that. However, a trio of Minecraft fans decided that they could improve upon the recently released trailer by remaking it with animation.

what if it was animated
https://t.co/ZSCCIRWWx0 pic.twitter.com/5tflziDatS — Alumio (@Alumio_) September 8, 2024

The video above was made by users who go by Alumio, Maraylin, and Comic Cyrus. As Alumio explained on his YouTube page, they didn't like the trailer for the movie and that's why they decided to improve upon it. For the most part, they did a very good job with it, and the trailer looks like it was recorded in Minecraft itself. The one area where the recreation comes up short is conveying the emotions of the human characters. And that is kind of the key to getting viewers to buy into them.

So far, what we know about the movie is that four ordinary people--as played by a very un-Aquaman-like Jason Momoa, Wednesday breakout co-star Emma Myers, Peacemaker's Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Hansen--have found themselves transported into the world of Minecraft where anything is possible. Jack Black plays their guide, Steve, who has mastered the art of crafting. And somehow, he'll help them get home.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD9Yqf

PS5 Controllers Are Now More Expensive

Sony is raising prices again, this time hiking the cost of standard PS5 DualSense controllers by $5. Effective now, the PS5 black and white standard DualSense controllers start at $75 (up from $70), while all the rest jumped from $75 to $80. The DualSense Edge is unaffected and still goes for $200.

Sony made no official announcement about the DualSense price hike, but it seems to have gone into effect recently. Wario64 was among the first to spot the price increase, which is in effect at Sony's own PlayStation Direct store and a variety of retailers, including Best Buy. As usual, there are always deals to be had, as Antonline via Amazon still has the standard black and white controllers for $70, but there is no telling how long those prices will last.

The price hike on DualSense controllers comes not long after Sony raised PS5 prices in Japan and other parts of the world (but not the US).Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD9JZb

Andrew Garfield Responds To Rumor He's In Spider-Man 4

Oscar-nominated actor Andrew Garfield has responded to a rumor that he's coming back to play Spider-Man in the next Spider-Man movie from Sony Pictures and Marvel.

Speaking to IndieWire, Garfield didn't straight-up say no. Instead, he danced around the subject just as he did years ago when he was asked again and again if he would be in Spider-Man: No Way Home. Of course, Garfield did end up being in No Way Home, alongside Tobey Maguire and Tom Holland. For the next Spider-Man movie, Garfield said people should question what they read on the internet.

"I mean, like the internet is a big place," Garfield said. "I think there's a lot of people who will just say anything to get clicks. So you might have been duped, I'm afraid."Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD8pnH

Artist To Rockstar After $7,500 Offer To Use Their Song In GTA 6 -- "Go F**k Yourself"

An English artist has reacted to a purported offer from Rockstar Games to include his band Heaven 17's 1983 song "Temptation" in Grand Theft Auto VI, saying the offer of $7,500 was "extremely low."

Martyn Ware, 68, said on social media that he was recently contacted by his team to discuss an offer from Rockstar Games about the possibility of putting "Temptation" in GTA VI. Ware said he was "naturally excited about the immense wealth that was about to head my way," that is, until he saw the actual offer: $7,500.

Ware said this amount would have covered "a buyout of any future royalties from the game--forever." Ware went on to (incorrectly) state that GTA VI has already grossed $8.6 billion and that he believes he was low-balled because having the song in GTA VI could generate "exposure" for the song.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD8cmh

Silent Hill 2 Stream Reveals How Reboot Has Changed The Town

In September 2001, the original Silent Hill 2 set a new standard for the survival-horror genre in the PlayStation 2 era. Later this month, Konami's classic game is getting a remake from Bloober Team that is giving Silent Hill 2 a modern flourish. Now, an extended stream from 2BRO has revealed more of the changes in store for players as they explore the town of Silent Hill.

The first 13 minutes of the stream serve as a reminder for how far games have come in the last 23 years by playing through the opening parts of the original Silent Hill 2. That game needed a loading screen just to bring its main character, James Sunderland, into a partially fenced-off area. The modern version of Silent Hill 2 appears to be a more seamless experience, and less reliant on fog to cover up its shortcomings.

At the beginning of the reboot, the tunnel to Silent Hill has been completely sealed off. That's why it takes James close to 20 minutes of gameplay to find his way to the town by going off the trail. James still encounters a young woman named Angela Orosco in a cemetery on the outskirts of town, but he doesn't run into any other main characters in this stream.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD7Fpz

These Budget-Friendly 3D Pixel Art Frames Recreate Moments From Gaming History

Who needs to visit the Louvre when you can create your very own art gallery at home? With these eye-catching pixel art frames from Level Up Labs, you can bring some of the most iconic moments of gaming to your home and office, decorating your space with retro classics like Castlevania, Contra, and Street Fighter 2. See all Pixel Frames at Amazon



These are nicely sized and affordable pieces of art designed to create a 3D effect, as the foreground, middle-ground, and background are layered and distanced to add depth to their shadowbox designs. Each piece is constructed in a wooden frame with a plexiglass cover and built-in wall mount, so you can easily display them right out of the box. These are all officially licensed pieces as well, adding to their overall quality.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD702q

One Of The Best Modern Fantasy Novels Is Getting A Gorgeous Anniversary Edition

Susanna Clarke's genre-bending debut novel Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell was a literary sensation in 2004. It garnered many rave reviews and spent three months on the New York Times Best Seller list while nabbing a litany of nominations for coveted awards. It would go on to win the Hugo Award for Best Novel--the most prestigious award in science fiction and fantasy--as well as the World Fantasy Award and Locus Award. It's a big book with big ideas, and there hasn't really been anything quite like it since.

If you haven't read it or if you're looking for an excuse to dive back in, Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell is getting a 20th Anniversary Edition with gorgeous new cover art. The new hardcover edition will be published by Bloomsbury on October 22 and is available to preorder now at Amazon for a 17% discount, dropping the price from $31 to $25.61.

Long-time fans of Clarke's debut novel will also be happy to learn that the 20th Anniversary Edition will be published the same day as an illustrated short story set inside the same world as the book. The Wood at Midwinter is available to preorder in hardcover and Kindle ebook formats. Plus, a new paperback edition of The Ladies of Grace Adieu and Other Stories, a 2006 short story collection set in the same world, will release October 22, too. Yes, Bloomsbury is really celebrating this anniversary.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD6VFX

How To Make A Banner In Minecraft

One of the easiest items to customize in Minecraft is the banner, which can be recolored and patterned to your liking. Banners are also used in a couple of different recipes, so knowing how to make one is going to be quite useful as you progress. To see how to craft a banner in Minecraft, check out the guide below.

Making Banners in Minecraft



Banners only require two main ingredients to craft, but you need a different ingredient depending on what color you want to make your banner. You'll also need several of one ingredient, so you might not make too many banners in one go. You can see the full crafting recipe for a banner below:

* At a crafting table, place six colored wool blocks across the top two rows.
* Then, place a single stick in the bottom middle box to make a banner that correlates to whatever colored wool you placed in the table.


The crafting recipe for a banner in Minecraft

Obviously, the biggest hurdle to making a banner in Minecraft is getting the required number of wool blocks. To make things easier, though, you can get six pieces of regular wool, which are received from killing sheep, and then dying them to whatever color you need. We went over how to make dye in a previous guide, but you need some specific materials that match the color of whatever dye you're trying to make. With your dye, you can then head into a crafting table, dye your wool blocks, and use the wool blocks to make a colored banner.Continue Reading at GameSpot


http://dlvr.it/TD6HtC

The Best Dragon Age Book Deals Available Ahead Of Dragon Age: The Veilguard

Dragon Age: The Veilguard arrives for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on October 31, but if you're interested in diving deeper into the lore of Dragon Age ahead of the new game's arrival, you'll want to step away from your TV and get your nose into a book. Luckily, there's a variety of comics, encyclopedias, and novels set in the Dragon Age universe that can teach you more about iconic characters, locations, and storylines from the fantasy RPG series. Even better, many of the books are discounted right now ahead of The Veilguard's release, including some preorders for all-new titles. We've rounded up all the Dragon Age books available below.

Preorder Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Standard Edition

$70 $10 gift card bonus at Best Buy Preorder at Amazon (PS5) Preorder at Amazon (Xbox)

Preorder Dragon Age: The Veilguard - Deluxe Edition

$90 $10 gift card bonus at Best Buy Preorder at Amazon (PS5) Preorder at Amazon (Xbox)

If you haven't yet reserved a copy of the game on PC or console, check out our Dragon Age: The Veilguard preorder guide. Along with standard and deluxe versions, there's an exclusive collector's edition packed with collectible goodies.

Dragon Age Comics and Graphic Novels



Dragon Age has seen numerous comic adaptations and spinoffs over the years. If you want a preview of what The Veilguard's storyline will bring, you'll want to check out Dragon Age: The Missing. The 88-page graphic novel serves as a prequel to The Veilguard that bridges the events of Dragon Age: Inquisition and The Veilguard. It follows Varric Tethras and Lace Harding, who have appeared in previous games and will return for The Veilguard.

For more adventures that fill out the overarching Dragon Age storyline, there's Dragon Age: The First Five Graphic Novels. This 400-page omnibus collects the Dragon Age: The Silent Grove, Those Who Speak, Until We Sleep, Magekiller, and Knight Errant comic runs into one large paperback volume.

There are plenty of other Dragon Age comics and graphic novels to check out, which should keep you busy for quite some time.

* Dragon Age: The Missing (Paperback) -- $20
* Dragon Age: The First Five Graphic Novels Omnibus (Paperback) -- $23 ($30)
* Dragon Age: Wraiths of Tevinter Omnibus (Hardcover) -- $30 ($40)
* Dragon Age Vol. 1: The Silent Grove (Hardcover) -- $25.47
* Dragon Age Vol. 2: Those Who Speak (Hardcover) -- $18


Buy Dragon Age: The Missing Buy Dragon Age: First Five Graphic Novels Buy Dragon Age: Wraiths of Tevinter

The Art of Dragon Age: The Veilguard



The Art of Dragon Age: The Veilguard is a 256-page artbook full of concept art, promotional illustrations, and information on Veilguard's new characters, locations, creatures, and more. The book launches on November 5 and will be available in standard and deluxe editions. The standard edition will cost $50, while the deluxe edition is on sale for $90 (was $100) and comes with some extra flourishes, including:

* A foil-stamped slipcase and unique cover art
* Gilded pages
* A ribbon book marker
* Two lithographic art prints with display portfolio




Both editions are available for preorder at Amazon. Preorder at Amazon (Deluxe Edition) Preorder at Amazon (Standard Edition)

Dragon Age Art Books and Encyclopedias



For an even deeper dive into the minutiae of Dragon Age lore, The World of Thedas Box Set is hard to beat. The nearly 500-page collection spans two hardcover books and discusses the game's history all the way through Inquisition. You can buy both volumes individually, but this $36 bundle is around half the price of purchasing them separately.

Other deals include The Art of Dragon Age: Inquisition for $27.49 (was $50) and Dragon Age: The Official Cookbook for $25.54 (was $35). Buy The World of Thedas Box Set Buy The Official Cookbook Buy The Art of Dragon Age: Inquisition

Dragon Age Novels



There are a surprising number of Dragon Age novels, and you can check out the first five paperbacks with the Dragon Age: 5-Book Collection box set for just $43 (was $145). These expansive stories follow a variety of characters--starting with Maric, the leader of a rebel army who is trying to avenge his mother's death and bring peace to the land. Here's a look at the five books in this bundle:

* Dragon Age: Stolen Throne
* Calling
* Asunder
* Masked Empire
* Last Flight




Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights is another good choice for long-time fans. This 507-page anthology features 15 short stories set in the Dragon Age universe, covering everything from the Grey Wardens and Mortalitasi necromancers to Dalish elves and Antivan Crow assassins. Buy Dragon Age: 5-Book Collection Buy Dragon Age: Tevinter Nights

Dragon Age RPG Core Rulebook



$54 (was $60)





Embark on your own quests with the Dragon Age RPG Core Rulebook. This hardcover book gives you all the information you need to create characters, plan adventures, and run your very own campaigns. It also includes tips for new players and game masters, ensuring even TTRPG newbies can have fun with the pen-and-paper action. Buy at Amazon

More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders

* Walmart-Exclusive Lego Batman Bundle Comes With Three Sets For Only $50
* The Popular Pokemon Labyrinth Board Game Is Getting A Glow-In-The-Dark Edition
* Cult Of The Lamb: The First Verse Graphic Novel Is Up For Preorder At Amazon
* + Show More More Gaming, Tech, and Entertainment Deals & Preorders Links (5)
* Save Big On Trigun Deluxe Edition Manga Ahead Of Next Week's Release
* The Nightmare Before Christmas Manga Is Returning To Haunt The Winter Holidays
* The Sixth Sense And Signs Are Finally Releasing On 4K Blu-Ray
* Berserk: The Complete 1997 TV Series Is Only $37 At Amazon, Best Price Yet
* Doom Anthology Preorders Are Live - Comes With 6 Games, Steelbook Case, And Replica BFG


http://dlvr.it/TD4vrN